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CM Punk Delivers Return Promo On AEW Collision – “I’m Tired Of Being Nice”

By John Canton • Published 17th June 2023
cm punk aew collision promo

CM Punk is back in AEW with an opening promo on Collision that was full of passion and a few shots at some rivals he might have in the company.

The first twelve minutes of the debut episode of AEW Collision were dedicated to the return of two-time AEW World Champion CM Punk in front of his hometown crowd at Chicago’s United Center.

This was CM Punk’s first appearance on AEW television since he won the AEW World Title for a second time at All Out in September. Punk also tore his triceps during that match with Jon Moxley and got into a backstage fight with The Elite’s Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson).

When CM Punk emerged as “Cult of Personality” played in the arena, the crowd greeted him with a huge ovation for Punk’s first appearance on AEW TV in over nine months. Punk had wrestling boots tied around his neck, a t-shirt with his dog Larry depicted on it and a red bag with him as he addressed the vocal crowd.

Punk started his promo saying he was tired of being nice. Punk referenced suffered a torn triceps that required surgery and kept him out of the ring for the past ten months (it was a little over nine months ago).

It was a babyface promo with CM Punk thanking the fans for supporting him so much. Punk admitted that some people don’t like him for the same reasons that the fans love him. Punk said that his presence makes people uncomfortable and the truth is painful. There was a brief “F**k the Elite” chant as well, but Punk moved on rather than address it.

At this point, CM Punk stared into the camera and took what could be considered a shot at The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson).

“You know what David Zaslav calls me?… ‘One Bill Phil.’ That’s because I am the one true, genuine article in a business of counterfeit Bucks…”

The fans let out an “ooohhh” reaction when they heard Punk mention the Bucks. Clearly, The Young Bucks heard it too because they changed their Twitter bio to reflect it.

Punk laughed: “The King is back, baby, and I do have a lot of things to get off my chest.”

CM Punk continued saying he will never change, he will always be himself and he will never compromise. Punk had a message for people that think he owes an apology.

“And then there’s the people who think they’re owed an apology. I’ve grown older and wiser in my years. Sometimes it’s better to be the bigger man. If you feel you need an apology — I’m sorry that the only people softer than you are the wrestlers you like. Tell me when I’m telling lies!”

Based on what he said, there’s a perception that perhaps he was referencing The Elite’s Kenny Omega, Nick Jackson, Matt Jackson and maybe even “Hangman” Adam Page, who Punk isn’t very fond of.

The promo wrapped up with CM Punk referencing the AEW World Title that was in the red bag he had with him. Punk said that he held it over his head the last time we saw him. Punk said it belongs to him until somebody can pin him or make him submit.

Punk ended it by saying that his wrestling boots will remain on his feet until somebody in this company can fill his boots. Punk: “Tell me when I’m telling lies.”

After he dropped the microphone, Punk delivered a message to AEW World Champion MJF: “What’s in the bag, Max?”

Later in the show, Punk was victorious in a six-man tag team match main event.